Pubdate: Thu, 11 Sep 2014
Source: Georgia Straight, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2014 The Georgia Straight
Contact:  http://www.straight.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1084
Author: Stephen Hui

CHRISTY CLARK, YOUR PURPLE KUSH MARIJUANA IS IN THE MAIL

Could ending the months-long B.C. teachers' strike be as simple as 
Christy Clark, Peter Fassbender, and Jim Iker hot boxing it in the 
premier's minivan?

Marijuana activist Dana Larsen said today (September 11) that he has 
sent the premier some weed in the mail.

"I sent the Premier some cannabis buds for two reasons," Larsen said 
in a news release. "First, I thought if she could get together with 
Peter Fassbender, Jim Iker and their negotiating teams to share a 
joint, it would help break down some barriers and give the BCTF 
negotiations a fresh start.

"Second, I wanted to remind the Premier that legalization would mean 
over $200 million in annual savings and revenue for her government. 
Legal, taxed marijuana sales would mean a lot more money for our 
schools, as well as hospitals, libraries and other community services.

"We know that Christy used to smoke pot in high school, but now that 
she's Premier she's ignoring the wonderful benefits this crop could 
have for our province."

By the way, in 2004, a Fraser Institute researcher estimated that 
legalizing B.C.'s marijuana crop would create over $2 billion in tax 
revenue nationally a year.

Larsen also commented that he hopes the weed doesn't end up in the trash.

"I hope the Premier doesn't let it go to waste," Larsen said. "It's a 
variety called Purple Kush, which has a relaxing effect while also 
promoting good conversation. It would be perfect for a late-night 
negotiating session."

Larsen, a former B.C. NDP leadership candidate, spearheaded last 
year's unsuccessful petition campaign seeking a referendum on 
marijuana decriminalization in the province. His organization, 
Sensible B.C., is holding a conference in Vancouver from October 3 to 5.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom